How the right place and people helped Chris thrive
For Chris, independence is not about living without support. It is about having the right support in the right place from people who believe in him.
Chris is autistic and experiences extreme anxiety and stress. He was struggling to cope with those feelings and they were affecting his quality of life. He was living at home with visiting care agencies and it was not working out. It looked like the only option for Chris was an institutional setting, possibly somewhere far from his family and community where routines would be rigid and decisions made for him. When we met Chris, we were determined that would not happen.
What did we do next?
Supported living gave Chris the chance to live life his way. With our support, he was able to move into his own property in the heart of the community, where his family live and where he has always belonged. Being close to familiar places and people gives him the stability to see family, keep his routines and enjoy a home that is completely his. Supported living became the foundation of his independence, allowing him to flourish with a team who understand him, know what matters to him and work alongside him every step of the way.
When Chris first moved in, he needed a large team of professionals including psychologists and behavioural specialists to support him. His anxiety was so intense that even small changes could feel overwhelming, sometimes keeping him in his room for days. Over time, with the right environment and the right support, that has transformed.
How do we support him?
From the start, the FitzRoy team focused on building trust and tailoring support to Chris as a person, not just his needs. Chris thrives when surrounded by positive people he trusts, so staff were carefully chosen for their ability to connect with him, read his mood and bring a calm reassuring presence. He is highly attuned to others’ emotions, so having a consistent upbeat team is essential for his sense of safety. Even small things matter, like we would never complain about the weather in front of Chris, because the energy around him shapes how he feels. We have also learned that Chris can get stressed or anxious if he knows about certain events or activities too far in advance. Sometimes we might surprise him with the day’s plans in a letter through the post!
What is his life like now?
When that surprise letter arrives, Chris grins and tears it open. It is the kind of plan he enjoys, something to look forward to without the pressure of advance planning. On those days, he heads to the golf range, sometimes teasing people when he wins. He has been on holiday, something that once felt impossible. Careful planning, familiar routines and the trust he has in his support team mean he can now enjoy new experiences without feeling overwhelmed.
Since moving in, Chris is now a familiar face in the neighbourhood and has built strong trusting relationships with his core team.
Manager Phill said:
Chris has a wicked sense of humour and loves making people laugh. The location of his home has been vital. He can see his family often, stay connected to his community and still enjoy his own space. Most importantly, supported living and the right team, people who built trust, took the time to truly know Chris and supported him to make his own choices, have transformed his life.
Chris has the security, freedom and confidence to turn a small world into a bigger, brighter one.